Learn about Aborignal art with the award winning Top Didj Cultural Experience

Why do we love this

"5 days exploring the Northern Territory outback? What could be better?! We love that this tour includes authentic bush camping at private campsites for that little added luxury."

WHAT TO EXPECT

A 5-day desert adventure that gives you all the highlights of the Aussie outback!

Day 1 - Darwin to Kakadu National Park via Litchfield National Park
You will be collected from your Darwin accommodation at 7.00am to begin your journey to Litchfield National Park. Along the way check out the intriguing Cathedral and Magnetic Termite mounds that can reach up to 6 metres!

Explore the sparkling waterfalls, streams and rugged sandstone cliffs of the national park and take a dip in one of the many natural rock pools or bathe under the cascading waters of Florence and Wangi Falls.

Enjoy a picnic lunch amongst lush trees and rainforest before hitting the Marrakai Road to Kakadu. Travel past billabongs and over water crossings to join the Old Jim Jim Road that takes you deep into the national park. You'll spot plenty of wildlife along the way, from bounding kangaroos to bathing brolgas.

Spend the night at a private campsite in Cooinda where you'll enjoy a tasty campfire dinner and some stories and stargazing.

Day 2 - Yellow Waters Cruise, Nourlangie and Ubirr Art sites
Wake up early for a delicious breakfast before heading off on the Yellow Waters cruise at Kakadu National Park. This is an award-winning tour and is Aboriginal owned! It centres around a spectacular billabong system that's home to some remarkable wildlife. There's plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities so keep an eye out for crocodiles swimming or sunbathing on the river banks.

The next stop is Nourlangie Rock, a magnificent sandstone formation. Archaeologists have uncovered over 20,000 years of Aboriginal occupation here, and you'll have the chance to learn about its history and its meaning for the Aboriginal people.

Next, pay a visit to the Bowali Visitor Centre. Bowali is the Gun-djeihminame for the local area and a creek that runs through land owned by the Mirarr clan. Discover some incredible Aboriginal artwork at the nearby Marrawuddi Gallery which showcases work by artists from Kakadu and the wider region.

Later, make a trip to the culturally significant Aboriginal art site of Ubirr. This site is home to an incredible range of ancient Aboriginal art which your guide will help to interpret. Learn the story of the Rainbow Serpent and other Dreamtime tales and then climb the Nadab Lookout for panoramic views over the floodplain and into Arnhem Land. Your guide will tell you about the landscape and its history as you watch the spectacular sunset.

Day 3 - Twin and Jim Jim Falls
Today, some of the most beautiful sights of Kakadu await you. Wake up early to begin your trip. The destination? Twin and Jim Jim Falls, two stunning waterfalls nestled in the heart of Kakadu National Park. Hit Twin Falls first, where you'll travel by 4WD and boat before talking a rocky walk into the waterfall itself! Take a quick dip or relax on the sandy banks and admire the shimmering water.
Next is Jim Jim Falls where a walk through monsoon forest and over boulders leads you to the waterfall and a plunge pool surrounded by sheer 150-metre cliffs!

Day 4 - Kakadu National Park to Katherine via Gunlom Falls
There's more time to relax today, with the morning spent exploring the beautiful Gunlom Falls. Relax around a natural lower plunge pool then take a hike to the top of the falls where an amazing view awaits. If you're feeling energetic, keep hiking onto the rear waterfall, where you can take a dip to cool off.

After a tasty lunch, it's all aboard as you travel on into the Katherine Region. Along the way, stop at Edith Falls for a refreshing swim then head to your private campsite near Katherine for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 5 - Katherine Gorge, Indigenous Cultural experience. Return to Darwin
It's another early start! Get to Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) before the masses arrive and soak up the desert serenity! Take a boat cruise or canoe through the winding waterway or stick to land and take a walk along the sheer rock walls surrounding the water. Spend some time exploring the spiritual home of the Jawoyn Aboriginal people and learn about their culture and history.

Enjoy a delicious lunch in the national park, then embark of the award-winning Top Didj Cultural Experience. This is your chance to interact with Aboriginal artist Manuel Pamkal and ask questions about Aboriginal culture. You'll also learn about the significance of his painting style, how he lives off the land and a little about the weapons used by Aboriginal people.

Later on, it’s time to sit back and relax as you drive back to Darwin.

This is a 5-day, 4-night tour. The first day begins in Darwin at 7:00 am and the final day returns at 5:30 pm.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

You will definitely require a Sleeping Bag rated to -5C during our winter season. In summer it is advisable as not all nights are warm.
All “Classic” Tours carry sleeping bags for our clients. You are welcome to provide your own.
On “Budget” tours sleeping bags can be hired for $30.00 for the tour duration. The cost is for laundering at the completion of the tour.

I've heard the flies are bad in summer. Is this true?

In the warmer months there are quite a lot of flies around in Central Australia. A lot of people find these to be quite annoying. It is advisable that you bring along a fly net so these little guys don't drive you crazy!

What clothes do I need and what else should I bring?

In summer shorts and a shirt is all that is really needed. We would also recommend light weight long sleeve shirts and long (zip off) pants. Our temperatures can be excessive and this can impact fair skinned people. A jumper/pullover is recommended for the early morning if it happens to get a bit chilly. Swimwear is recommended as there will be swimming opportunities - don't forget a towel! Also bring a broad brimmed hat (not a baseball cap), sunglasses and sunscreen.
Our winter days are generally mild and most of the time you can still wear shorts and a shirt during the day. However, the nights and early mornings can be very cold. You will need to bring warm clothes - long pants, a good jumper, wind breaker, a beanie, scarf, gloves and good woollen socks are recommended.

What will I be sleeping in?

This depends on the tour selected and the location of the tour. In Central Australia, you will be sleeping in a swag under the brilliant stars of the Milky Way. Tents are available for those less adventurous. Our experienced guides will show you all you need to know to get one of the best night's sleep you've ever had! The swag is extremely warm, comfortable and above all, safe.

Some locations you will be in a Tent with only your sleeping bag required and of course accommodated tours are in the comfort of a motel/hotel/backpacker room. The quality of accommodation is dependant upon the quality of tour selected.

Do I bring all my luggage with me?

This is very much governed on where your tour commences and where it concludes. For those returning to their starting location (e.g. Darwin to Darwin, Alice Springs to Alice Springs) we recommend that you bring only one small bag per person with the things you will need for the duration of your tour. Suitcases are not recommended. You should be able to store your excess baggage at your accommodation while you are away.

We do make exceptions for people that book one-way journeys however, this needs to be discussed with us prior to booking. There is a baggage lifting limit of 20kg. You may be required to assist the guide with loading and unloading.

How physically fit do I have to be?

Our tours are active adventures that include a fair amount of walking, hiking and water-based activities. Walks can extend to 4 hours duration in warm to hot conditions, so a reasonable level of fitness is required, We don't expressly set any age restrictions. Our tours are a mix of true outback adventure camping to soft camping. Less demanding treks/walks are available at most locations for those less active. Regardless, good health is important but ultimately, it is an open and positive attitude that matters. It is very important that any pre-existing medical conditions are discussed with our staff at the time of booking.

I am not a meat eater. Will that be a problem?

Our menu is designed to cater for both carnivores and vegetarians. Specific diet requests may be difficult to comply with in some remote areas. You may be requested to supply some product If it cannot be procured at a particular touring location. You must inform us at the time of tour booking if you have any special dietary requirements.

How many people will be on each tour?

Our Classic Style tours are all in 4WDs, carrying a maximum of 21 people. Our Budget Style tours are in Mini Buses which carry a maximum of 27 passengers.

Where will I be picked up from?

Our tours depart most locations early each morning (before 6.30am). We will pick you up from your place of accommodation on the first morning of the tour. You must advise us your accommodation a minimum 24 hours prior to departure. Failure to do so could result in you missing the departure. Those flying in to other locations must advise this at time of tour booking.

Warning: Should you not advise your accommodation or air flight connection times, sleep in, etc, and miss departure you may be required to pay an additional relocation fee to meet your tour. Should you need re-allotment to another tour on another date you will be required to pay an additional tour cost. All or any costs associated with additional accommodation, changing flight schedules, etc is your responsibility.

Small print

Terms & Conditions:

Itinerary may change due to cultural reasons, seasonal changes, operational logistics and accessibility

Please note that sleeping bag hire is not included and is an additional $30.00. Sleeping bag fees are non-refundable, even if you don't use your sleeping bag.

Wangi Falls may not be accessible during the wet season. During this time we will provide an alternative or spend more time in locations visited. Twin and Jim Jim Falls may not be accessible between the shoulder periods of May-June and October. During this time we will visit Gunlum Falls, Maguk or the Yurmikmik Region (Motor Car Falls or Boulder Creek)

Cancellation Policy:

In the event that a booking is cancelled, the following fees will apply:

Cancellations more than 30 days before departure: 25% of the total cost

Cancellations between 14 and 29 days of departure: 50% of the total cost

Cancellations between 8 and 13 days of departure: 75% of the total cost

Terms and conditions

Please take the time to read and understand the terms and conditions of travel set out below prior to confirming your reservation with the supplier. The supplier also recommends you read and understand the specific health and fitness requirements for the safaris you intend to undertake.

1. THE AGREEMENT

All bookings are made with Wayoutback Australian Safaris Pty Ltd (ABN 63 157 953 369) or Walking Country Pty Ltd (ABN 91 130 940 260). By booking a tour with the supplier you agree to have read and accept these Terms and Conditions.

2. VALIDITY

Dates, itineraries and prices are valid from 1st April 2017 until 31st March 2018. All prices are in Australian Dollars and include GST. All prices and conditions are subject to change without notice.

3. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

All of the safaris the supplier offers are active participation based. The supplier relies on the good will and cooperation of all passengers to make them a success. This includes your assistance in the preparation of meals, washing up, gathering fire wood and loading/unloading of the vehicle.

On the supplier open age safaris, all camping is in twin share permanent tents which include beds and mattresses, all linen, pillows and sleeping bags. Swags are also available for those who wish to sleep under the stars.

Passengers on our 18-40 age recommended safaris will need to bring their own sleeping bag, or hire one for $30 on single safaris or $50 on all packages. All camping is in swags (with the exception of some Top End safaris). For passengers wishing to rent a tent on our Red Centre Safaris there is a $60pp charge and tent must be requested prior to travel. Due to space restrictions on our vehicles, please limit your luggage to 1 x soft bag of under 20kg. For all safaris visiting Kakadu National Park luggage is strictly limited to 10kg. Any additional luggage should be stored at your accommodation, where possible. For passengers on one way safaris any additional luggage may be stored in areas that is not readily available during the safari.

The supplier group sizes vary from a maximum of 16 – 24 passengers depending on the safari. The maximum group size for each safari is listed on the itinerary. There is a limit of only 6 passengers on our ECO Tour.

Earlybird rates are not available on all safaris and are only valid when bookings are made 90 days or more prior to departure. Multiple safari discounts are not valid on 18-40 safaris or on family rates across the entire range.

4. PAYMENT POLICY

To confirm your reservation with the supplier, a non-refundable 25% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days prior to departure. All bookings made less than 30 days prior to departure must be paid for in full at the time of booking. Reservations can be made direct with the supplier by phoning our Sales Centre on 1300 551 510 (within Australia) or +61(0) 8 8300 4900 (outside Australia). You can also book via our website www.wayoutback.com.au or www.walkingcountry.com.au or any registered travel agent, hostel or hotel.

This surcharge is subject to change without notice. All bookings made via Travel Agents or other booking partners may be subject to their own set of payment terms.

5. CANCELLATION BY YOU

Due to the extensive planning and costs associated with touring, the following cancellation feeswill apply in the event you should cancel for any reason.

• 30 + days prior to departure – 25% of total price

• 14 – 29 days prior to departure – 50% of total price

• 8 -13 days prior to departure – 75% of total price

• 0 -7 days prior to departure – 100% of total price.

Due to the remote places the supplier visits and the adventurous nature of our safaris, Travel Insurance is compulsory. The supplier accepts no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged property.

6. CANCELLATION BY WAYOUTBACK OR WALKING COUNTRY

At times the supplier may have to cancel a tour or service. In the event the supplies does have to cancel, every effort will be made to offer a suitable alternative. If the alternative is not suitable the supplier will refund your tour price in full. The supplier reserves the right to cancel a tour and arrange an alternative operator (if possible) if group numbers are insufficient or combine safaris of differing standards in the event that low numbers are endangering a scheduled departure being cancelled. In this instance passengers will always be upgraded to a higher standard product. Passengers travelling on a tour with upgraded passengers will not be entitled to refunds in these instances. The supplier reserves the right to have multi-level pricing on products where it is necessary to ensure passengers travel plans are not disrupted. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external factors beyond our control, any potential refund will be less any unrecoverable cost which the supplier may have incurred.

7. BOOKING AMENDMENTS

Due to the complexity, staff time and communication costs of the booking process, the following amendment charges will apply;

8 + days prior to departure - $50 (including GST) plus any difference in price between the original booking and the new date/ tour which is selected.

Changes made within 7 days of the scheduled departure – will incur full cancellation fees and passengers will be required to pay the full cost of any new tour which is booked.

8. RECONFIRMING YOUR TOUR

All passengers are required to call the supplier Sales Centre and reconfirm their travel no later than 48 hours prior to departure. To confirm your pick up point and time, please call 1300 551 510 (within Australia) or +61(0) 8 8300 4900 (outside Australia). The supplier will not be held responsible for any costs incurred due to changes of pick up details if reconfirmation is not made.

Passengers joining or departing a tour from Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) will also need to reconfirm all flight details at least 48 hours prior to their scheduled departure. It is recommended that when joining a tour in Ayers Rock that you arrive before 12:30 pm and when departing Ayers Rock your flight be scheduled after 12:30pm. The supplier will not be held responsible for any delays resulting in a passenger missing tour inclusions or missing a scheduled flight.

The supplier understands the importance of protecting your privacy. Any information the supplier collects from you may be used for any purpose associated with delivering our tours. The supplier may from time to time have to pass your details onto our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable us to deliver our service. The supplier educates all of our staff about the requirements of the National Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act.

11. HEALTH AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Due to the vast distances travelled on safari, the supplier may be many hours from medical facilities. It is the responsibility of you and your agent to declare any known medical condition(s) at time of booking. The supplier reserves the right to request additional information and/or medical clearance (at your own expense) before confirming your reservation.

Upon joining your safari the supplier requires you to re-confirm any medical condition(s) to your guide and enough medication should be carried for the duration of your safari (cold storage is available).

A certain level of fitness is required for all safaris. To ensure that you enjoy your time on tour with the supplier, you should be able to walk at least 6km (3.7 miles), unaided, over rough, uneven ground (often in intense heat) and climb (or descend) steps or steep inclines without hindrance.

If you are unable to meet the required level, you must disclose this at time of booking. In the interests of health and safety, the supplier reserves the right to refuse travel due to any medical conditions and/or fitness level which the supplier deems necessary. The supplier will not be liable for any additional expenses or cancellation fees imposed by ourselves or third parties incurred as a result of refusal to travel due to non-disclosure.

Travel Insurance is compulsory for all travellers but excludes those nationals of countries where local law prohibits a compulsory service that is not included in the tour price.

12. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS AND FOOD ALLERGIES

All of our menus are designed to be well balanced and healthy to provide the necessary sustenance for you to enjoy and participate in your tour. If you have any food allergies or specific dietary needs please contact the supplier to discuss these requirements and the supplier will advise you if they can be catered for. As the supplier operates in remote parts of Australia, certain foods are not always readily available. The supplier may have to supplement the supplier’s menus as supply dictates therefore the supplier cannot guarantee all ingredients contained in these alternatives. In these instances the supplier will advise you to provide your own supplementary food/ snacks depending on your specific requirements.

13. CHANGE OF ITINERARY

The supplier reserves the right to amend tour times, itineraries and fares for its products as circumstances, time of year and operational reasons occur. There will be no refunds in these circumstances nor for delays incurred due to mechanical failure, accident, weather or any other unforeseen circumstances. The supplier cannot guarantee exact pick-up and drop-off times and will accept no responsibility in the event of cancellation fees from other connecting services. Individual Aboriginal location visits cannot be guaranteed for cultural reasons. In the event of a location or host not being available alternative experiences of a similar nature will first be sought and failing this, refunds will be offered for this component only. No compensation will be considered for any additional driving or time lost due to such changes.

14. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK

Australia has many dangerous creatures, extreme weather conditions and often varying terrain. Camping, hiking and passing time outside may increase your personal risk of exposure to these dangers. Safety is the supplier’s number one priority and all of our guides are highly trained to ensure passenger safety at all times. All passengers participating on the supplier tours do so at their own risk and no responsibility can be accepted by the supplier for any loss, injury or accident. Passengers are responsible for any additional costs involved should such instances occur. All passengers will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to departure. If you would like a copy of this in advance, please contact the supplier Sales Centre. The minimum age for children travelling on the supplier safaris is 5 years at the time of travel. All passengers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or caregiver at all times. While all care is taken, the responsibility of children on tour rests entirely with the parent or caregiver. All passengers, including children, must wear shoes at all times, use sunblock and wear hats. Please note that the supplier accepts children of all ages travelling on our group and private charter tours.

15. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The supplier contracts with a network of companies and individuals to assist in operating its safaris. The supplier works with the best operators available but takes no responsibility for any act of neglect by any operator whose services are used as part of your tour. The supplier’s suppliers make every effort to safeguard clients, and the cannot be held responsible for personal injury or sickness to any customer which is beyond the supplier control. Passengers should note that adventure travel involves a higher than normal risk and a signed release may be required from all participants from a number of our activity providers.

16. AUTHORITY ON TOUR

The supplier prides itself on the very high standard of its guides. The supplier is one of only a few Advanced ECO Accredited tourism operators based in the Northern Territory. All guides have a sound knowledge of the local area focusing on its history, Aboriginal culture, geology and the natural environment. Passengers must abide by the tour guides instructions and directions at all times, in particular with regard to actions and behaviour in National Park areas, Aboriginal communities, areas with elevated hazards or risks and emergency situations. Non-compliance with any directions from the tour guide or other authority may result in the passengers being refused onward travel with no right to refund. All vehicles are fitted with a microphone and the supplier will ensure to the best of its ability to have them all in good working order. Due to the environment in which we are travelling, heat, humidity and dust often have an adverse effect on electronics within the vehicles and as such their use cannot be guaranteed. In such instances guides will make every effort to ensure commentary of significant importance is heard by all but no compensation will be due in the event that it is not.

17. PHOTOS AND MARKETING

You consent to us using images of you taken during the trip for advertising and other promotional purposes in any medium as the supplier requires. You agree that the use of these images is without recourse to you and without compensation to you.

18. FEEDBACK

If you have any feedback regarding your trip please inform you tour guide at the time so they can try and rectify the issue. If after this time you still wish to provide the supplier with some feedback, please put your concerns in writing and send to the supplier by emailing feedback@wayoutback.com.au

19. APPLICABLE LAW

The laws of The Northern Territory, Australia govern these terms and conditions. Any disputes in connection with a tour or these terms and conditions must be initiated in the courts of The Northern Territory, Australia.

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